DeLauro Welcomes Additional Voice in Supporting

DeLauro Welcomes Additional Voice in Supporting

Stronger Food Safety System

Announces Upcoming Hearing to Address Import Safety

Washington , D.C. - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) issued the following statement welcoming the proposal for improved food safety from the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

The proposal, as well as the federal government's ability to ensure the safety of food imports, will be addressed at an oversight hearing on food imports Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 10:30 AM in Room 2362A of the Rayburn Building (witness list forthcoming). DeLauro chairs the House Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Subcommittee, with jurisdiction and oversight responsibilities of food safety operations and its budget.

"Momentum is clearly growing for strengthening and modernizing our nation's food safety system. I welcome the Grocery Manufacturers Association's proposal to improve the inspection of imported foods and ingredients and look forward to closely reviewing the details of the proposal during the hearing next week.

"Given the major recalls this year, their announcement today sends a very strong message that the industry recognizes the inadequacy of voluntary measures to protect public health and reassure American consumers that their food is safe. It is yet one more voice highlighting the need to change our system to one that seeks to minimize hazards by applying science based controls and focus our system on preventing food-borne illness not just reacting when outbreaks occur."

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